I would like to get a scanner to scan slides. Prefer something under $100. Any suggestions on a particular model or what to look for?
I have a PrimeFilm 1800u. They can be found under $100. But I would not recommend it. The mechanism is not smooth enough, and you can sometimes see those side effects in an enlarged scan. It does not have anywhere near enough resolution, and is often rather grainy. Scans can frequently seem to be a bit mushy, and trying to sharpen them a futile effort.
I agree with Ken's assessment of the PrimeFilm 1800u. I bought a Canon 9000F to scan some negative/positive stuff from a collection I bought. However, this Canon also came with 35mm slide and negative strip capability. I have used it for all of the above, and it works great. I just can't remember what it cost, but I think it was more like $130- 150. Well worth it, especially if you have a lot of items you want to scan.
Saw great reviews on the canon scanner. New price is in the $200 range. Found a used one for half that but no software. Does it take software or is it plug and play?
I purchased a scanner some years back (over 10 yrs ago) that included a slide device. it was simply a black matte cardstock that covered the whole glass surface of the scanner. at its center was a rectangular hole for the slide to be positioned. And, the lid which lays down to scan, had a reflective--mirror like--rectangle (the same size as the slide) on its inside surface. I do not know if that can be made from commonly available items. I never scanned a slide so I do not know how well that setup would have worked. sincerely, fwiw-- Gary
Probably requires some software. Check their web site and see if there is a download available. Also, there is some after market software available. I cannot think of the name this morning, but it used to be well considered by users.
Yes, the Canon scanner requires software, which comes with it if purchased new. The slide scan piece that fits into it allows you to scan 4 slides at a time.
In the $200 range, the Epson V600 and Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II appear to be the best affordable contenders for slide scanning. The Epson V700-series takes it up a significant notch in quality, but at $600 to $700. I don't have a slide scanner, as I lack the time to work the scanning. Commercial venues range from $.0.25 to $0.35/Slide depending on resolution and with slides being out of one's hands, loss in transit or at the laboratory is a worrisome concern in my mind.
I agree. In the hands of someone who might care less about anything but getting it done. I'd rather do it myself. The time spent would be hard to calculate, but having my own machine then and available for future use, it would surely pay it's way. I had several slides out of hand for a book which never was published. Took me more than seven and a half years to get them back. Never again. My stuff stays here, no matter the reason.
Amen on that - I had the same experience and I too finally got my slides back after a year. Just a few months ago I submitted some low-rez scans of my slides to an author who liked them a lot and said he would definitely use them in his book. They were perfect for his subject, all taken in the mid to late '70s. I wrote him back and asked how exactly should they be marked and sent so that I could get them back intact. He never wrote back. I did not inquire a second time.
Yeah, I have had similar bad experiences, with Railfan and Railroad magazine and a couple of amateur aircraft publishers. Finally got all my stuff back, after years as you had experienced. Now if someone wants some of my photos I send them digitally. No more sending original slides to anyone except family. And that's where the Canon comes in handy. Can select various DPI depending on what the purpose of the scan may be. If it is to be published in a magazine you can select 2400 or even more, and so far anyone I have sent copies to has been thrilled. Yet to receive a magazine in which any were published.
Getting back on topic, I have been looking at slide scanners and do find some under $100.00, and amongst them those which seem to have good reviews. Perhaps Google could be a friend here?
RE Cannon 9000F Check this link for the Cannon Driver and software. http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...scan_series/canoscan_9000f#DriversAndSoftware Harvey in Kelowna, BC
I have had a CanonScan 9000F for quite a few years. In the price range, BEST SCANNER EVER. The full software suite is available for download for Canon site
I think too that factors of quality and volume come into play in the decision. I've tried two sub-$150 slide scanners and returned both of them for a refund because of poor quality. Looking at the appraisals on this forum and elsewhere, I think the $200 models (like the Epson V600 and Canon CanoScan 9000F) will probably suffice for most people, are well supported with drivers and warranty, and with their slide carriers, are able to work a number of slides at improved volume. I read too that depending on how long one's been shooting slides, we might not live long enough to scan all of them. I wonder if Jesus will permit me to bring in my Kodachromes?
I did not take that many slides. Maybe a couple of thousand, probably less. But it's my collection of MILW structures, from many resources, which needs to be made digital. That will be a BIG project, if I can ever afford a better scanner. That Canon sure seems to be appealing.
I've had an Epson V500 photo for a couple of years now and it gives superb results. I picked that one because I could do my 6x7 cm slides with it as well. I used to have a prime scan but it really struggled with color balance and dark slides The v500 also scans colour negs in really well the advantage for me was that it will scan four mounted slides in in one go or 2 strips of 6 colour negs Kev
Thanks for the recommendation Kev. As I begin to think earnestly about retirement, I hope to finally buy a slide scanner and have the time to scan and share some of them.
Before life caved in on me, I had acquired a brand new Canon 9000f. I am hoping it is still there. Never even got to try it.
Your Canon is a fine unit too and is the other on my comparison list. Hope you can locate it and put it in service. I'm looking forward to rediscovering my slides.
